Well after 20 years of using our pennine folding camper and with pending retirement looming for me and OH we’ve decided to explore the prospect of purchasing a Motorhome. Now the problem is where to start!! We know we want a 4 birth although it will mainly just be the two of us. We live in Cheshire and are aware of Spinneys Motorhome garage nearby but wondered if any of you kind people know of anywhere they would recommend to view/purchase Motorhomes from. We initially thought we’d go down the VW route but after hiring one last year for a week we decided there just isn’t enough room or creature comfort for what we need. As it’s such an expensive purchase we really want to get it right. So if anyone can offer any advice re models/places to look or anything that may help us to start it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you 😊
------------- Thank god it's Friday lets go camping
Piece of string question because there are a variety of layouts, ones that don’t suit us do suit other people.
We have a 2 berth Autosleeper Nuevo EK (end kitchen) and it feels very roomy, so my first point would be to challenge the need for 4 berths. Unless you’re having a double each. Or you want a fixed bed, because the table & bench seats usually convert into a (small) bed.
Before thinking about layouts, think about where you might be going, where it’ll be stored & put a limit on vehicle length. We go on CalMac ferries so we deliberately chose a MH less than 6.0m (when fares go up). If you’re happy to go to 7 or 8 m, then options become available like a ‘garage’ for bikes etc under a high fixed bed. Don’t go for a layout where the bed drops down from the roof unless you’re quite sprightly & have a strong bladder.
A good idea is to look round any local dealers, given there are no shows to go to. There’d be one in Manchester at some time. Sit down, close the door, what’s it like if one is cooking & the other needs the loo.
Finally - this question is asked often, there’ll be plenty of threads if you use the search button.
When we were searching for the "ideal van" we made a list of what we thought we wanted :- Under 6m "so it will fit on the drive" a useable washroom / toilet, fixed bed, good sized fridge, ample storage room, dining sitting area. Also able to take with you all the outdoor furniture, cycles & bbq's etc without being overweight.
We visited two shows and many dealers before deciding on a panel van conversion with Globecar and Adria models being favoured.
At the time there were not many used vans on the market, but on Autotrader we found a local "15 miles" used Fiat Ducato based Possl2Win identical to Globecar Globescout at an affordable price.
We seldom use EHU no TV, with USB rechargeable radio & lighting.
We have now had it three years, with the longest trip of 5 weeks and love it.
Since buying the van we have added :- 120w solar, 2 additional USB ports, drive away inflatable awning, Atera ds3 cycle rack, silverscreen, reversing camera, Safefil LPG bottle & mattress topper.
So check your budget before buying.
It does require careful thought as it's a big investment. I would normally suggest you get to one of the NEC shows where you can see a wide range of motorhomes. Unfortunately these shows seem to have been cancelled protem. I suspect many first time buyers tend to buy a motorhome which is too large as they think they can't manage in a smaller vehicle. It was a mistake we made and we now have a motorhome under 7 metres in length which suits us fine but then it is only 2 berth. You do need to consider the sort of use you will make of the motorhome. Perhaps a bit more detail would be useful?
Hi, we have just purchased a 5 berth Fiat Bessicar E435. 2006. We looked at a few but liked this layout as it has an end kitchen and plenty of room. I spent hours looking online and we travelled over 100 miles but this one was quite close to us. As soon as I stepped inside I knew it was the one. Good luck in your search.
Apparently the showrooms are very busy at the moment so we won’t get it for another 3 weeks. Cant wait. They are including a 12 month mot, habitat check, damp check, service, electric hook up and gas bottle. It’s our first MH so we are very excited.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: First time Motorhome
via mobile 18/7/2020 at 4:45pm
